Sporran Straps: Leather vs Chain?

**DyerStraits** · 13th March 14, 06:24 PM

Originally Posted by Creag

This has been an interesting and informative read. The leather strap vs. chain strap is so much like the conventional oil vs. synthetic oil. discussions on auto forums.

...Or friction versus ceramic versus semi-metallic brake pads. I've had both conversations with my mechanic--
the only person who REALLY listens to me (and my SAAB).

**Sammac** · 13th March 14, 07:34 PM

I only have a leather strap, once I tried it never went back to a chain. Oh, and it is one of Donnie's from Wyvern Leather Works, with one of his sporrans hanging from it.

**OC Richard** · 14th March 14, 04:46 AM

Originally Posted by RockyR

GENERALLY speaking, if you get a quality sporran, it should come with a quality flat link chain and there should be no burrs to snag the kilt.

I'm with Rocky. Traditional chain straps by legitimate makers are smooth as glass and couldn't abrade anything.

Trouble is, the market is now flooded with improperly made stuff. Many of the cheap straps (both leather, and chain) have sharp edges that poke the kilt. Many of the cheap sporrans themselves have sharp edges on the back.

In any case, I'm in the leather strap camp. One reason is practical: when standing relieving the call of nature the sporran can be slid to the side. Oftentimes this is more difficult with a chain strap.

The downside is that the sporran can work itself to one side while walking.

Interesting how chain straps have evolved over the years. Back 100 years ago the long-link style was very popular. When I started kiltwearing in the 70s everyone sold the dog-chain style. More recently big ornate chains have become popular, especially with pipe bands. I don't care for this trend myself, and I wear a long-link one when I do wear a chain.

**artificer** · 14th March 14, 05:06 AM

Originally Posted by OC Richard

...

Interesting how chain straps have evolved over the years. Back 100 years ago the long-link style was very popular. When I started kiltwearing in the 70s everyone sold the dog-chain style. More recently big ornate chains have become popular, especially with pipe bands. I don't care for this trend myself, and I wear a long-link one when I do wear a chain.

I agree on the big ornate links. It's like they're all wearing Chains-of-Office as belts.

I do love the look of long link chains and will be building myself one (sometimes called "Trombone Link" in the jeweler's trade) in the not too distant future, once I've got the forms cut.

ith:

**Nathan** · 14th March 14, 11:16 AM

Originally Posted by artificer

<snip>I agree on the big ornate links. It's like they're all wearing Chains-of-Office as belts.

<snip>

See, I don't mind ornate and blingy things with evening wear. That's why I wear a chain with evening wear. I once saw a gorgeous chain that was lions and thistles intertwined in sterling silver. It was quite expensive and obviously a lot of care was taken in its creation. It's the kind of thing that could be an heirloom.

That said, I feel that my smooth chrome links add enough sparkle for the occasions I attend.

Slàinte!

**OC Richard** · 15th March 14, 04:11 AM

Here's the type so very popular- nearly ubiquitous- with top Pipe Bands now. This is an extremely high-quality one from L&M Highland Outfitters

Here are Boghall & Bathgate wearing similar.

Now that nearly all top Pipe Bands compete in waistcoats without jackets, the sporran chain is quite exposed, and perhaps that's why it was deemed necessary to fancy it up.
(As an aside, it's always struck me as odd that this band wears big cap-badges pinned to their kilts. I can't recall seeing any other bands do this. Thing is, people make special smaller badges of just the right size and weight to pin on the kilt- they're called kilt pins!)

Here are two long-link straps I have. The upper one came with a c1900 sporran I used to have, the lower is a fairly recent one from Nicol Bros Bankfook.

But I nearly always wear a plain black leather belt, even with Evening Dress. I only wear a chain in the Pipe Band, where it's required.

**J Ross** · 15th March 14, 09:39 AM

Originally Posted by Chas

Being new to wearing kilts I hadn't given the strap option much thought. As you read more, you learn more and the options are lain out in front of you as expansive as the sunset. I will say that the strap in the above picture looks great IMO. I'm a matchy-matchy sort of gentlemen with a flair for accessorizing. The straps give the outfit a nice complete look; practical looking, but stylish.

Thanks for the thread everyone. A very nice form or function approach to sporrans.